Bill Maher locks horns with Rich Lowry as he defends Donald Trump over January 6 riot

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Comedian Bill Maher locked horns with his guest Rich Lowry and had a tense exchange on 'Real Time with Bill Maher' on Friday, September 6, as the guest said he was "appalled" by the January 6 riot and the host interjected him saying that the editor of National Review is still "going to vote for Trump."

Notably, Lowry joined former National Security Advisor HR McMaster and former CNN anchor John Avlon on the panel and appeared on the aftershow 'Overtime' segment, per Mediaite.

Bill Maher locks horns with Rich Lowry over his dual statements

John Avlon brought up the topic of the January 6 Capitol riot and Donald Trump’s involvement. He said that 60 days out from an election, the country has normalized the legal battles with Trump and it’s "far too freaking dangerous," per The Hill.

Maher replied, "He, he really does commit crimes is one thing and two, if the positions were reversed and a Democrat did this. Not only would the Republicans go after them, but they would have done it instead of what the Democrats who talk about feckless. General, this is feckless. You had four years to bring four trials, and we get none of them?"

Avlon then said, "And it’s because they were afraid of politicizing. Look, that’s the thing, is that if Democrats did what Donald Trump did, you would be opposing ’em totally. And by the way, so would I."

Rich Lowry then said, "I’m so extensively on the record about January 6. I’m completely appalled by it, but —"

Maher interrupted him and said, "You’re not so appalled, you’re not going to vote for Trump!" to which Lowry replied, "This is different Bill–"

From there on, there was a tense exchange between the two where Maher said, "You’re not appalled!" and Lowry replied, "No, I am appalled!"

Maher then said, "But you’re still going to vote for him!" and Lowry answered, "If January 6th didn’t happen. You would still oppose Trump. Because you don’t like him on policy, right? From. No no no no, from where I sit in the first–"

Maher replied to Lowry's question, "I don’t, mostly, no. No. But–" as Lowry interjected, "But you support Trump’s policies." Maher said, "No" and Lowry then asked him if he would consider voting for Trump absent January 6.

Maher said no and added, "If he conceded elections. He would not be the boogie man he is. He would just not be the villain he is. That’s the main thing. He politicized the Justice Department and he does not concede elections. These are two very new things."

Internet divided as Bill Maher locks horns with Rich Lowry during 'Real Time'

People on the internet stayed divided and had mixed reactions as Bill Maher locked horns with GOP guest Rich Lowry and had a tense exchange as the guest said he was "appalled" by the January 6 riot and the host interjected saying he is still "going to vote for Trump."

A user commented on YouTube, "This is what overtime should be. Extensive discussion that lets the issues breathe without arbitraury cut offs."

Another added, "Lowry is one of the reasons that I think The National Review walks a fine line between reporting and veiled propaganda."

A person also stated, "The panel and overtime this week were an excellent example of what debate and discussion looks like. Lets see more like this in the future Bill."

Another added, "I am not voting for a candidate. I am voting for a party that at least has some desire to adhere to the constitution."

A user also wrote, "The biggest Trump guy always has to throw in 'I’m not a big Trump guy,'" while one commented, "Interesting that Lowry is stating that Harris, if she had a majority in congress could be the next FDR or LBJ as if that would be worse than the former guy back in the WH."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.